The cream of the crop is taking to Melbourne Park next week for the Australian Open. BetDeluxe profiles four players who could make an impact over the two weeks of Grand Slam action.
Best Bet: Iga Swiatek
$2.90
While many argue the women’s side of the draw is more open than the men’s, it’s hard to go past the favourite at $2.90.
The 21-year-old Polish star is ranked No. 1 in the world with 11,025 points. The next best – Ons Jabeur – sits 2nd with 5180. Almost 6000 ranking points separate Swiatek from the rest of the pack, resulting in her short quote and deserved favouritism heading into this event.
The Pole enters 2023 on the back of a dominant year, winning both the French and US Opens. She proved beyond doubt her appetite for the big moments and has three majors after first tasting success at Roland Garros in 2020.
While she recently fell to Jessica Pegula in the United Cup semi-final, Swiatek will enter the Open as the clear favourite to take home this year’s crown.
Best Bet: Iga Swiatek at $2.90
Best Value: Ons Jabeur
$13
Can a Tunisian win the Australian Open for the first time? We think so.
The world No. 2 presents excellent value at $13, with Swiatek ($2.90), Sabalenka ($8.50), Pegula ($10), Garcia ($11) and Gauff ($12) all shorter in the market.
While Jabeur is yet to win a Grand Slam title, she was runner-up twice in 2022 after going down to Swiatek at the US Open and Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon. She recently made the semi-final at the Adelaide International before losing to Linda Noskova in straight sets.
It’s only a matter of time before Jabeur breaks through for her maiden success, and at $13, you could do worse than to follow her in over the next two weeks.
Best Value: Ons Jabeur at $13
Best Roughie: Danielle Collins
$41
The reigning runner-up at $41? Yes, please.
While Danielle Collins hasn’t quite hit the heights of her Australian Open final appearance against Ash Barty since there’s no denying she has the talent and maturity to take out a major.
The 29-year-old American currently sits at No. 14 in the world. Her record at Australia’s Grand Slam is as good as any she’s competed in, having made the semis in 2019 before going one better last year.
Don’t read too much into her Round of 32 exit at the Adelaide International as she was pitted against Elena Rybakina and fought bravely in a 7-5, 2-6, 3-6 loss.
With experience on her side, expect Collins to make a run for it if any of the favourites falter between now and the final.
Best Roughie: Danielle Collins at $41
Best Aussie: Ajla Tomljanovic
$81
Not even a minor knee injury can leave Aussie Ajla off this list. With Ash Barty enjoying the spoils of tennis retirement, an opportunity has arisen for Tomljanovic to officially accept the title of best Australian women’s player.
Despite that recent injury causing her to withdraw from the United Cup, Tomljanovic will enter next week’s Open with the nation behind her and as the 35th-ranked women’s player in the world.
And she comes into 2023 in form, having reached the Wimbledon and US Open quarterfinals in what was a career year for the 29-year-old Croatian-born Aussie.
At $81, it might be worth a dabble for those patriotic punters.
Best Aussie: Ajla Tomljanovic at $81
